Work to 1985 Nova II

[80's Wellcraft]

Thank you! The Nova is presently getting some fiberglass work done. Few scars possibly from a former trailer or rocky bottom? Some prior glass repairs were not a great color match- should have a smooth bottom in the right color upon return, Also getting a wet sand and buff on the black part of the deck (around the hatch) - this had dulled/oxidized a bit. Looking forward to getting it back soon and getting the 2016 boating season started!

[dadsink]

I habe an 84 Nova (single I/O) outfitting to bring to stock condition need some help on parts.
need the lighted rocker switches, black window trip for windshield replacement lighted compass, any suggestions
dadsink

[80's Wellcraft]

dadsink - one of the lights in the rocker switches on our boat was out - specifically for the bilge pump. Kind of wanted an indication when this was on - found a new switch with red indicator light at one of the various online marine suppliers - other boat manufacturers used these. Wire hookups were just like the original and no issues with fit. Let me know if you have trouble finding a source and I'll track down where mine was purchased.

As far as the in dash compass - I sent the unit off to Ritchie Navigation (who manufactured the original in the Nova II's - all the liquid was gone in ours. They did a great job - communication was excellent and it came back looking and operating like new. Cost was reasonable and less than purchasing a new unit. Not sure exactly what you mean by "black window trip" - but Ritchie may have parts, etc... to help if it's similar to our compass.

Sadly my father suffered a stroke on Father's Day Weekend - but got to our local ER quickly for the anti-clotting stroke med. He is recovering very well and I am very thankful to still have my boating buddy who makes a lot of the improvements possible to the Nova II. Our work has been put on hold for the last 6 weeks.

A glass shop is working on a new mirror for the front of the cabin. Besides a crack - former owners also had let one of the reading lights dangle unmounted near the original mirror - which scarred it up a bit. At some point - one of the pocket shelves on the left side of the cabin was removed - not sure why? Dad removed the right side for a template - so he has made a new left side shelf and carpeted both to match - these will go back in after we get the new mirror installed. There was no radio/stereo present when we purchased this boat - wires were present - but no speakers or components. Stereo items ready to install - nothing that will seriously rock the dock - but a Ken-Wood receiver, amp, and four speakers should provide a good source for boating tunes when desired.

Take care and hope all forum members are having an awesome boating season with their Wellcrafts!

[A1251]

Looks Fantastic

[BlackMagic]

Wow super nice great pics!!

[80's Wellcraft]

Getting a late start in 2018 getting the Nova II ready to go for it's first outing with all the many rainy spring weekends here in Virginia. Did a nice cleaning of the motor compartment after some spills with oil changes and winterization steps last fall. Came out very nice using some Purple Power, Super Clean, and a Magic Eraser...

[80's Wellcraft]

Fortunate to still have an awesome upholstery friend locally - the Nova II visited his shop this winter. The back seat, sun deck cushions, and side panels were completely redone. We tried to replicate the original look of the interior when this 1985 left the Wellcraft plant. Had pictures of another Nova II the exact same color with a near perfect factory interior from a classified ad that I gave my friend to copy the look. The front seats or captains chairs are actually Wise seats that I ordered last year when they were on sale at a super low price online. Very happy with how it came out - back seat looks so much better - it had been recovered with light gray vinyl by a previous owner. Have some LED lighted cup holders yet to install on the armrests in the back seat.

[80's Wellcraft]

My upholsterer also made a new towing cover. An older cover came with the boat but it's showing it's age and I was a little afraid to tow with it - figuring it would likely rip to shreds at interstate speeds.

[80's Wellcraft]

This old Nova II still cleans up well - the teak trim and swim platform my father repaired also shines with fresh teak oil. Being a child of the 70's and 80's with a Dad who owned a small boat shop - I have applied my fair share of teak oil through the years.

Last year all new spark plugs, wires, and rotor caps were installed. At winterization time Dad and I changed the drive water pumps as well. This boat did not have hour meters on the engines when we purchased - but the bone stock GM 350 V8's still sound good, do not burn oil, run cool, and start very easy. Hoping they have many more years of life left in them for this boating family to enjoy.

Hope all Wellcraft owners on this forum have an awesome 2018 boating season. Thanks for letting this middle aged guy who is still stuck in the 80's share an update and some photos!

Fred in VA

[Fixit 56]

Wow new to the forum I just purchased an 1985 nova 2, I cant tell you how great your boat looks I would guess and say you have hundreds of hours in the restoration of the boat.

Because am new to the boating world can you tell me your best source of parts for the year of the boat. I just purchased the boat and wel I just want to repair some things over the winter to make sure it safe next boating season.

The boat has twin 350 motors and one throttle cable is very sticky and its got some other small mechanical issues. The interior is original and will need to be replaced. If you have any suggestions to sorce anything for the 85 nova I would be thankful for any help.

Thanks